Stride out to help churches

Horse riders, cyclists and walkers are being asked to saddle up and support the county’s heritage next month.

The annual Ride and Stride event, which sees people trek between Leicestershire’s rural churches, takes place on Saturday, September 12, between 10am and 6pm.

Money raised during the Ride and Stride goes towards the upkeep of churches.

This year’s is being sponsored by estate agents Andrew Granger and Co.

Rupert Harrison, joint managing director of Andrew Granger and Co, said: “As a firm working with rural communities, we understand that preserving churches and historic buildings is vital to retaining the character of the countryside and our towns.

“We are delighted to be supporting Leicestershire Ride and Stride once more.”

Among the churches taking part in the event are St Dionysius in Harborough, St Mary’s in Lutterworth and St Wilfrid in Kibworth.

For more information about Ride and Stride Leicestershire, and to register, visit www.lhct.org.uk

Ashling Toolan, a trainee rural surveyor at Andrew Granger and Co, bought her horse, Noddy, along for the pre-launch event.

She said: “This event is a perfect day out for all horse riders and their horses, I would definitely encourage all of my fellow horse riders to get involved. Not only do you get to explore the county and see hidden gems you may not have known were there, but you are also helping to raise money for a very good cause, keeping our churches in good condition.”